GENERAL MANAGER / OWNERSHIP‑TRACK POSITION
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Kalispell, Montana
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit of Kalispell is seeking an experienced manager who is ready for a leadership role with a clear, structured pathway to ownership. This is not a standard GM position. We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to own a restaurant and is prepared to learn our operation fully, work alongside current ownership, and participate in a planned succession process.
About the Business
When we purchased this location, it had been neglected and its quality and reputation had suffered. Since then, we have revitalized the restaurant, rebuilt its standing in the community, and established a strong foundation for continued growth in both in‑store business and catering. The business is stable, successful, and positioned for the future.
As we continue to grow, we are preparing for leadership transition and succession — planning responsibly so the restaurant, and its next owners, have the best chance for long‑term success.
Our operation is straightforward and learnable. Neither of us had restaurant experience prior to purchasing this franchise, yet through commitment, consistency, and strong management practices, we turned the business around and improved every aspect of food quality, service, and daily operations. The right person — with genuine drive and a management mindset — can learn this operation fully.
The Opportunity
We are offering a leadership role designed for someone who:
- Has meaningful management experience (restaurant experience helpful but not required).
- Wants to own a restaurant but may not have the upfront capital to make that happen.
- Is motivated, hands‑on, and ready to learn the operation quickly.
- Is serious about stepping into ownership — not just seeking a GM job.
You will work directly with current ownership to learn every aspect of the business. Together, we will develop a pathway to minority ownership and eventual full ownership based on operational readiness, leadership capability, and financial fit.
While the GM role is an individual position, the ownership pathway can naturally evolve into a team‑based effort. Many successful Dickey’s locations are run by spouses, partners, or families who take on different roles within the operation. As you move toward ownership, there is real opportunity to involve a spouse, partner, or other trusted individuals who want to be part of your ownership team.
Ownership Pathway
This is an ownership‑track role. The transition is structured, achievable, and designed within our existing LLC so continuity is preserved.
- Ownership will involve both sweat equity and a reasonable monetary investment.
- This is not a 100% sweat‑equity takeover.
- We are flexible and negotiable in structuring the financial pathway.
- The timeline is based on demonstrated capability, commitment, and readiness.
For the right motivated person, this is a realistic opportunity to own a restaurant — even if you don’t currently have the working capital to buy one outright.
Growth Potential
The business is already strong, and there is meaningful room for continued growth for an owner with energy and ambition. We have identified several realistic avenues for expansion — none required, all achievable — that a new ownership team could pursue over time.
We can help the new owner begin exploring these directions and position the business for its next stage of growth, but the long‑term development of these initiatives is best driven by someone with fresh legs and a forward‑looking vision.
Compensation
The wage listed in the posting:
- Is a starting point only, and initial pay will be below the top of the posted range.
- Increases quickly with demonstrated capability, initiative, and completion of training.
- Transitions to a salaried, exempt manager role once genuine managerial duties are being performed.
- Moves into an ownership‑based compensation model as equity is earned and purchased, with long‑term compensation tied to business performance and owner draws.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to manage people, systems, and daily operations
- Willingness to work owner‑level hours
- Commitment to quality, consistency, and guest experience
- Desire to build something meaningful — not just hold a job
- Serious interest in becoming an owner
To Apply
If you are an experienced manager who wants to build toward ownership — and you’re ready for a serious, structured opportunity — we’d like to talk with you.
Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
